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gale_bruckner's review against another edition
5.0
For all that English is my first language, and I know a fair amount of German, I've never been a fan of grammar. There are so many teams and rules to keep track of, it's been easier to learn and practice through context. As a writer I knew I was leaving powerful tools on the table, but I just couldn't figure out how to use them. I'm still not sure what a predicate is, but Damon Suede's Verbalize has given me a new excitement for verbs. He offers excellent examples and thought provoking exercises that had me reaching for a thesaurus for the first time in years. I feel empowered to bring more dynamic creativity to my stories. For the first time I feel like I have strong skills I can turn to when I'm feeling stuck.
lynnlovegreen's review against another edition
Damon Suede's book gave me a fresh perspective of characters and writing. Looking at story structure and how we use verbs reveals the writing process in a new way. Highly recommended for all writers!
rogueblackwood's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I thought I was signing up for some quick tip on fleshing out the plot and beats. Some simple ideas to help with my outlining and occasional pantsing efforts.
What I got was a masterclass on the writing craft and a deeper understanding of grammar as a whole. Not to mention a long beautiful list of recommended reading. (book recommendation is my love language.)
If you've struggled to make characters 3D or have plots that aren't recycled cliche this book is here to help!
I want all my reader friends to read this so I can go on a long marathon of listing out actions, objectives, and tactics for all my favorite books and shows!
This is now at the top of my list of books you should absolutely read if you are a writer! You need it, trust me and read every morsel with undying devotion and it will boost you to new literary heights no matter your genre!
**Sidenote: definitely get the matching thesaurus to save hours of research and dictionary hopping. It is incredibly helpful and time-saving. AND if you're struggling with the character's VOID get the emotional wound thesaurus by Becca Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman!
What I got was a masterclass on the writing craft and a deeper understanding of grammar as a whole. Not to mention a long beautiful list of recommended reading. (book recommendation is my love language.)
If you've struggled to make characters 3D or have plots that aren't recycled cliche this book is here to help!
I want all my reader friends to read this so I can go on a long marathon of listing out actions, objectives, and tactics for all my favorite books and shows!
This is now at the top of my list of books you should absolutely read if you are a writer! You need it, trust me and read every morsel with undying devotion and it will boost you to new literary heights no matter your genre!
**Sidenote: definitely get the matching thesaurus to save hours of research and dictionary hopping. It is incredibly helpful and time-saving. AND if you're struggling with the character's VOID get the emotional wound thesaurus by Becca Becca Puglisi and Angela Ackerman!
alexsbradshaw's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this was a really great take on writing strong characters (among other advice)!
Lots of bits to highlight and come back to!
Lots of bits to highlight and come back to!
terriaminute's review
5.0
This is a very useful, hands-on approach to writing fiction, with specific points and angles of attack per chapter and many exercises to drive Suede's points home for new and established writers alike. I am grateful that I kept notes, and went through some of the exercises. Over time I'm likely to revisit many of those, particularly when I'm stuck.
And isn't that the key to how good any advise book is?
I will be referencing my notes any time I get stuck writing. At first, this way of thinking about a story was a little nebulous, but by the time I hit what I now realize is the midpoint, things started clicking; those first few chapters are groundwork - foundation, wires and pipes - so that the rest of the advise structure can function. He pulls everything together in 'Finale' and the last 30% is reference material. If you're not sure you'll get enough out of the book, find it in your library. You won't know until you try. Or do what I did and read the Kindle e-sample on amazon.
I've read several writing advice books. This one's by far the most helpful.
And isn't that the key to how good any advise book is?
I will be referencing my notes any time I get stuck writing. At first, this way of thinking about a story was a little nebulous, but by the time I hit what I now realize is the midpoint, things started clicking; those first few chapters are groundwork - foundation, wires and pipes - so that the rest of the advise structure can function. He pulls everything together in 'Finale' and the last 30% is reference material. If you're not sure you'll get enough out of the book, find it in your library. You won't know until you try. Or do what I did and read the Kindle e-sample on amazon.
I've read several writing advice books. This one's by far the most helpful.
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